Nike founder Phil Knight recently discussed last year's advertising campaign featuring Colin Kaepernick, as well as insights he learned from John McEnroe, LeBron James and his college coach, Bill Bowerman. "It doesn't matter how many people hate your brand as long as enough people love it," Knight said.

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Phil Knight shares special anecdotes on his successful journey as Nike co-founder, including his decision to run the controversial Colin Kaepernick ad, rooted in his belief that even corporations must take a stand on their principles. He says the conversation he had with NBA star Lebron James, where the athlete confided how scared he was that his teenage son could potentially be shot by police while driving, is what cemented his resolve with that particular campaign.

Every employee needs to know where the lines are, but inside those lines, try to encourage initiative rather than waiting for permission, writes Dan Rockwell. "Persistent permission-seeking points to inept leaders and top-down structures," he argues.

Middle management is often disrespected, especially at bigger companies that think the function is redundant and expensive, writes Theodore Kinni. Research suggests, however, that middle management is where innovation happens, where organizational culture is formed and where companies can learn the most about their customers.

Wieden+Kennedy has unveiled a two-minute spot for Nike voiced by Colin Kaepernick, which will run during NBC's "Thursday Night Football" broadcast and during coverage of college football, Major League Baseball and the US Open. "Dream Crazy" urges people to pursue their largest goals, features athletes including Serena Williams and LeBron James and was tweeted by Kaepernick to his almost 2 million followers.

Nike's decision to highlight Colin Kaepernick in its 30th anniversary "Just Do It" marketing campaign makes business sense because of the demographics of likely buyers and Nike's ability to profit from Kaepernick's ubiquity, argue Joshua Hunt and Jessica Stillman. Nike also has a history of mishandling labor and social issues, and even now is being criticized for conditions in its overseas factories, notes Brian Boyd of The Irish Times.